NSU announces winners of President’s Model the Way awards

Honoring their commitment to the principles that have made Northeastern State University a gathering place for students in their pursuit of higher education, NSU President Don Betz awarded four members of the NSU faculty and staff with Model the Way awards the institution's annual opening meeting on Aug. 11.

Those presented with awards include Dr. Craig Clifford, professor of biology, Gayle Anderson, coordinator of career services, Dr. Gene Kozlowski, professor of information systems at NSU - Broken Arrow, and Steve Ford, telecommunications manager for technical services.

"The Model the Way program is designed to identify those individuals among many who have displayed the ability to model the way," said NSU President Don Betz. "They exhibit the kind of leadership and example and persistence that inspires all of us."

Betz established the Model the Way award in 2009 to honor members of the faculty and staff who exemplify service above self in all they do, demonstrate tireless effort to promote the mission of NSU and exhibit a sense of community and collegiality among fellow employees.

Clifford, a member of the NSU science faculty since 1985, daily exemplifies the mission of NSU through his work as a researcher, student adviser and community volunteer.

"Dr. Clifford has a major commitment to the university and is repeatedly willing to go above and beyond the call of duty for the university and within the community to contribute to the success of the institution, the college, his department and the biology program," said Dr. Martin Venneman, dean of the College of Science and Health Professions. "Craig is a regional emissary and advocate for NSU and brings credit to the institution and all with which he is affiliated."

In addition to conducting research, Clifford has assumed responsibility as the pre-professional health advising coordinator. He is a leader in the Junior Academy of Science, president of the Oklahoma Academy of Science, and has been active in Habitat for Humanity, Kiwanis, Tahlequah Community Playhouse and the Illinois River BalloonFest. He holds a Ph.D. in physiology from Louisiana State University.

"While I was very honored to be recognized by winning the Model the Way award, I found it to be emblematic of all the deserving individuals at Northeastern," Clifford said.

After joining the NSU staff as a clerk typist in 1979, Anderson worked her way through the secretarial ranks before being named career services coordinator in 2001.

"Gayle is a caring and dedicated person who puts the students at the forefront of everything she does," said Bill Nowlin, dean of enrollment management services. "She gains satisfaction from helping students grow personally and professionally and in seeing them succeed."

In Career Services, Gayle works with students to select majors, prepare resumes, develop interview skills and connect with employers through visits and career fairs. She also organizes career fairs in the community.

"Well I couldn't speak for a while," Anderson said. "It's such an honor. I feel humbled and I have great colleagues to work with obviously. I love the university and I'm fortunate to be able to work for NSU."

Kozlowski, affectionately known as "Dr. K" on the Broken Arrow campus, turned his hobby of working with computers into a career teaching students about information systems at NSU. His willingness to help others with technological issues extends beyond the student body to faculty and staff.

"Dr. Kozlowski is the epitome of what it means to be 'student centered,'" said Dr. Christee Jenlink, dean of NSU-Broken Arrow. "He makes videos of his classes and provides them to his students as one way to ensure they have multiple opportunities to learn, and he frequently helps his colleagues with computer issues. He is a kind, generous, respectful man."

Kozlowski first joined the NSU faculty in 1973 as an assistant professor of economics, and has held numerous positions within the College of Business and Technology throughout his tenure with the institution. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Connecticut.

"Receiving the Model the Way award is a great honor, deeply appreciated and was a complete surprise," Kozlowski said. "It is humbling to have been selected from among 70 nominations and to share the award with Dr. Clifford, Mrs. Anderson, and Mr. Ford. It does not seem like 37 years have passed since I arrived on the NSU campus, but they have been great years and I look forward to many more."

After joining NSU in 1985, Ford became instrumental in pushing the university forward as a comprehensive electronic campus, and his research and planning helped select the institution telephone operating system.

"Steve has been a training officer on the Cherokee County Emergency Management Command Team since 1991," said Alexander Khramov, network manager for technical services. "He has been an active member of the International Nortel Networks Users Association for 12 years, serving as president from 2005 to 2009. He has also worked with the volunteer fire department and swift water rescue units, and enjoys storm spotting and chasing."

Ford, a graduate of NSU, began working for the university as an adjunct instructor in electronics and telecommunications. In November 2009, he was the only Oklahoman to participate in the torch relay for the XXI Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

"I was actually surprised and obviously honored," Ford said. "I want to thank the folks who wrote letters of recommendation for this award. NSU is a fantastic place to be and I look forward to continuing my work here."

Each recipient of the Model the Way award received $1,000 and a commemorative wall plaque.